And if you want a bit more information, guidance, or historical facts, book in for one of the tours.Īfter your session, make sure to wander around Stearns Wharf. And of course, the views of the city and mountains are simply gorgeous. Paddling out into the harbor means you’ll get to see all sorts of unique boats and marine wildlife, such as Californian sea lions, Harbor seals, and Brown pelicans. Kayak and SUP in the Santa Barbara Harborįor a fun and unique way to experience the Santa Barbara Harbor, why not try kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)? You can rent equipment downtown ( Paddle Sports Center in the harbor is a good option), and it’s best to go at sunset when the water is calm and the scenery is looking exceptional. Garden members can receive perks such as free admission to the Moxi museum during certain months or the opportunity to attend frequent events and community days. This living museum is dog-friendly and has plenty of trails to wander along and admire the gorgeous flowers and plants.įor people living in Santa Barbara, there are often great deals and discounts for memberships. to 5 p.m., and they also offer a variety of events and workshops throughout the year. ![]() The gardens are open to the general public from 10 a.m. Whether you’re looking to learn about horticulture or just want to enjoy some time in nature, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is sure to offer an experience that you won’t soon forget. There are 11 distinct ecosystems featured, such as desert, redwood, island, and meadow. This 78-acre oasis is home to over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants, providing a tranquil setting for walking, picnicking, or simply relaxing. If you want a slower-paced natural attraction, the popular Santa Barbara Botanic Garden may be the perfect place for you. Reservations are required and open six months in advance. One of three state parks along the Gaviota Coast, you can use the beach for day use, overnight camping, and trailer/camper spots. For surfers, the surf tends to be fairly reliable year-round with more of a mellow longboarding right-hand point break, but it’s best during the winter months when bigger swells come in. Plus, for those interested in kayaking, there are kayak tours offered from about Memorial Day weekend through August. The gorgeous coastline of Refugio State Beach also offers plenty of trails and picnic spots. Just a short drive from Santa Barbara (about 30 minutes north), this beach offers visitors ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, and relaxing in the sun. If you love camping but don’t want to venture too far from civilization, Refugio State Beach is the perfect spot for you. If you’re a new surfer looking for lessons or want to stay in town, your best bet is to check out Leadbetter Beach or Campus Point (off of UC Santa Barbara’s campus). Just be sure to check the surf report before heading out, as the waves can get pretty big during the winter months or too flat during the summer. There is a free parking lot located right off the freeway to the north of the point, where you will then walk down a path to get to the beach. Rincon is about a 20-30 minute drive south of downtown Santa Barbara. It’s a point break with long waves and a sandy bottom, ideal for both beginners (during the summer when the waves are smaller and gentler) and experienced surfers (during the winter when bigger swells come in). ![]() Rincon Point is one of the most popular surf spots in Santa Barbara, as well as one of the better-known surf spots in all of California. If you have furry friends, the trail is dog friendly, as are the majority of hiking trails in the area, so long as they’re on a leash. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as it can get pretty hot in the mountains, especially during the summer months. There is free parking located on the street near the trailhead. There are multiple trails branching off from the same trailhead here, so you can always continue your hike if you want more of a challenge or take a different path if you want to avoid some of the crowds. The trail is a moderately challenging 3.4 miles with 935ft of elevation gain and typically takes about an hour and a half to complete.
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